Jon Jones is due to return from suspension in July following a failed drugs test The former champion is still regarded as the world’s finest light-heavyweightDana White says the plan is for him to challenge Daniel Cormier at UFC 214Cormier defended the title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 210 two weeks ago Jones won the pair’s first meeting via unanimous decision in 2015

The UFC’s plans for Jon Jones have become clearer after president Dana announced the promotion is ready to book the highly-anticipated rematch between the returning star and light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. Jones is due to return from a one-year suspension for a failed drugs test in July and looks set to be thrust straight into the title picture, provided he is ready, with the UFC struggling for star power at present. ‘Cormier is available to fight on July 8, but that time-frame doesn’t work for Jon Jones,’ White told ESPN.

Cormier, who defended his belt with a submission win over Anthony Johnson at UFC 210, accused Jones of steroid abuse following the doping violation which saw the pair’s planned bout cancelled last July.

‘Bones’ was quick to respond, claiming that ‘DC’ needed to say that to make himself sleep better after he had made him ‘forever my b****.’

Should Jones need more time, or wish to take a tune-up fight, then White says the UFC are prepared to give Jimi Manuwa the shot after the Englishman made a statement with a first-round knockout of Corey Anderson at UFC London.